FRIED FISH SANDWICHES WITH CUCUMBERS AND TARTAR SAUCE

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Fried Fish Sandwiches with Cucumbers and Tartar Sauce image

Frying at home is a drag, unless you happen to be outdoors, holding a beer, and not worrying about spills or smelling up the house.

Provided by Chris Morocco

Categories     Bon Appétit     Sandwich     Fish     Seafood     Fry     Beer     Deep-Fry     Mayonnaise     Capers

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 28

Tartar sauce:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup finely grated lemon zest
2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
2 Tbsp. sweet relish
1 Tbsp. chopped drained capers
1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
1 small garlic clove, finely grated
Kosher salt
Fish and assembly:
2 Tbsp. Old Bay seasoning
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cayenne pepper
3/4 cup all-purpose flour, divided
3/4 cup cornstarch, divided
5-6 mini seedless or Persian cucumbers
1/3 cup seasoned rice vinegar
8 potato rolls
2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg, beaten to blend
3/4 cup light beer
8 (4-oz.) pieces skinless, boneless firm whitefish fillets (3/4"-1" thick)
1/2 cup very coarsely chopped dill
Vegetable oil (for frying; about 6 cups)
Kosher salt
Lettuce leaves (for serving)
Special Equipment
A deep-fry thermometer

Steps:

  • Tartar Sauce
  • Mix mayonnaise, lemon zest and juice, relish, capers, mustard, and garlic in a small bowl to combine; season with salt.
  • Fish and assembly:
  • Prepare a grill for medium-high heat. Whisk Old Bay seasoning, baking powder, cayenne, 1/2 cup flour, and 1/2 cup cornstarch in a medium bowl. Whisk remaining 1/4 cup flour and 1/4 cup cornstarch in another medium bowl.
  • Set a deep cast-iron skillet or large Dutch oven fitted with thermometer on grill; pour in oil to come 1" up sides. Heat until thermometer registers 375°F.
  • Meanwhile, thinly slice cucumbers lengthwise. Toss in a third medium bowl with vinegar and gently massage with your hands to soften them slightly. Let sit, tossing occasionally, at room temperature at least 10 minutes.
  • Lightly brush insides of rolls with butter and grill just until toasted, about 30 seconds. Transfer to a plate.
  • Gently whisk egg and beer in a small bowl to combine, then gently whisk into Old Bay mixture in 3 additions. Working in 2 batches, season fish lightly with salt. Dredge in flour mixture, knocking off any excess, then dip into batter and lift up with a fork, letting excess drain off and wiping against side of bowl to eliminate any thick drips. (Batter should completely coat the fish without looking clumpy.)
  • Carefully lower fish into oil and fry, turning halfway through, until deeply browned and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of each piece registers 125°F-130°F, 7-9 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a wire rack set inside a baking sheet.
  • Drain most of vinegar from cucumbers and toss in dill. Build sandwiches with fried fish, cucumbers, lettuce, and tartar sauce.
  • Do Ahead
  • Cucumbers (without dill) can be pickled 2 days ahead. Cover and chill.

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